Member

Member

Friday, June 16, 2017

Around A Late, Brutal Night, Lots Of News In Yankees Universe

On a (very late) night, during which the Yankees were defeated by the Oakland A's 8-7 in ten innings (their third straight loss), I am choosing to focus on news and notes:

CC Sabathia appears to be on the shelf until after the All Star Break, maybe longer. Until Chad Green made a spot start last Sunday against Baltimore, giving Masahiro Tanaka an extra day of rest, the Yankees had used only five pitchers all season. For the time being, Luis Cessa will be one of the starters, and will pitch in this series in Oakland. Here is hoping CC returns to mid season form for the stretch run and playoffs.

Sabathia's injury is all the more reason the Yankees have to hope Masahiro Tanaka turns his season around and pitches as consistently as he has in past seasons. The Yankees appear to have moved beyond any talk of injury concerning Tanaka, so we'll go with the assumption Tanaka is good to go. But the only way to quell the rumors and answer all the injury inquiries is for Tanaka to find some consistency.

Tough break for first baseman Greg Bird, who has been shut down again, and now his entire 2017 season may be in doubt. So Chris Carter is our man at first base. Yes, the Yankees might exchange Tyler Austin, currently at AAA, for Rob Refsnyder and that might signal Austin getting some playing time at first base. The Yankees can use designated hitter Matt Holliday on occasion at first base and even Chase Headley can play there once in a while as well. I have to think the Yankees now will hit the top of the charts of the Major League trade rumor blogs, which will have them deeply involved in a first baseman search.

At the recently ended MLB Draft, the Yankees' selections were mostly about pitching. Their number one pick, right hander Clarke Schmidt, is in recovery mode from Tommy John Surgery, a move which many questioned the Yankees for. Schmidt was ranked in the 10 to 15 range before the injury and it appears the Yankees will sign him cheaper, thus saving some bonus pool money for later rounds.

Some of that bonus money could go to their second pick, Matt Sauer, a high school pitcher committed to the University of Arizona, who was drafted at 54 overall, but rated 28 by MLB.com out of all draft eligible players. The Yankees did not start drafting college seniors, who are easier to sign, until round eight. They drafted a number of players deemed "unsignable" in later rounds, rolling the dice on having at least one of them turn pro.

The Yankees should be shopping Tyler Clippard before his trade value plummets. Just a hunch, but I think his better days in pinstripes are over. National League teams such as the Cardinals might have interest. Once Aroldis Chapman returns I'd do the deal.

Is Clint Frazier still untouchable? Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks have emerged this season in the Yankees outfield and, like it or not, Jacoby Ellsbury is going to stick around for some time to come, even if it is just in a reserve role. Dustin Fowler is among the top prospects who could also claim an outfield spot and Brett Gardner is signed through next season, though Gardner does not have a no-trade clause in his contract. Frazier is a high end prospect who would help bring a big return and the Yankees may have to soon look for a quality starting pitcher.

More Injuries
Both Gary Sanchez (groin) and Aaron Hicks (Achilles) left last night's game early. It was also revealed that RHP Adam Warren was not available due to some type of arm injury. We'll be looking for updates on all three throughout the day today.